Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3783, Alden Freeman, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Freeman, Alden Priscilla
R. 3783
CONTENTS
GH 21/2

Vermont 4.653
Alden Freeman
of Bradford, Vt. in the State of Vermont who was a Pr. in the Company - commanded by Captain Parker - of the Regt commanded by Col Evans - in the Massetts Troops - . . . . .
2 Co Private . . . . $ 80 . . .
Inscribed on the Roll of a Vermont at the rate of 80 Dollars per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3rd day of June, 1833 and sent to - S. Hunt, Shelburne, Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 - 160. . . Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " 40
$ . . 200. 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. S. Sprague Clerk, Book E . Vol. 3 - Page 64 -

Ezra Kiser, Town Clerk Affidavit

I Ezra Kidder Clerk of the Town of Plainfield in the County of Washington and State of Vermont depose and say that I have held the office of Clerk of said Town of Plainfield since the 7 th day of March 1822
I have the possession of the Records of said Town and have carefully examined the same from the year 1798 (being the earliest date of the Records of said Town of Plainfield) to year 1820 and can find no records of the marriage of Alen Freeman to Percilla Washburn within the period aforesaid - I further say that there is the following of Records of the births of the children of said Alen Freeman and Percilla his wife which appears upon the Records of said Town of Plainfield " Alen Freemans childrens Births - Sally Freeman was born August Twenty seven Seventeen hundred ninety six. Lucy Freeman was born March Third Seventeen hundred and ninety eight. Seth Freeman was born August Twenty four seventeen hundred ninety nine. Lois Freeman was born October Twenty four Eighteen hundred one - Bradford Freeman was born June first Eighteen hundred two - Otis Freeman was born June Twenty six Eighteen hundred six" I further certify that the above is a true copy of the Records with the exception of the dates which is expressed on the Records in plain legible words and figures as follows. " Alen Freemans Childrens births - Sally Freeman was born August 27 th 1796 - Lucy Freeman was born March 3 rd 1798 - Seth Freeman was born August

24 th 1799 - Lois Freeman was born October 24 th 1801 Bransford Freeman was born June 1 st 1802 Otis Freeman was born June 26 th 1806
I Ezra Kiender depose and say that I hold the office of Town clerk in the town, County and State aforesaid and the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town of Plainfield with the exception above named as certified by me, that it does not appear upon the records when the above births were recorded the births of said children appear to have been recorded all at one time and is not attested by the Town Clerk but appears to have been recorded by Bransford Kinney who does not appear to have been Town Clerk since 1817
I further say that there is no Records of any Births or Marriages on the Books of said town of Plainfield which appears to have been entered or recorded prior to 1798
The Records do not appear to be perfect regular and full but nothing appears to raise a presumption against the Marriage of said Helen Freeman to said Percilla Washburn
Certified by me this 2 nd day of August A.D. 1821
Attest Ezra Kiender
Town Clerk of Plainfield
Sworn to before me the day & year & place above mentioned
Lewis Prumbelins Subi Peen

STATE OF VERMONT.
Secretary of State's Office,
Montpelier, August 2. 1843 }
I certify that Lewis Chamberlin whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Washington duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of this office, at Montpelier, this the 2 d day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three .
Ferrand J. Merrill Acting Secretary of State.

9420. Application of Widow Percilla Freeman Alden.
Application of Widow Percilla Freeman Alden. 5783

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled an "act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows"
State of Vermont Orange County,
Probate District of Randolph } ss
on this 3 rd day of August A.D. 1823 Personally appeared before me John Colby Judge of Probate within and for said District Percilla Freeman a resident of Washington  Orange in the County of Orange and State of Vermont aged 83 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 entitled an "act granting half Pay and Pensions to certain widows"
That she is the widow of Alden Freeman who was a Private in the army of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States upon the Rolls of the Vermont agency at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum. her said Husband was a Pensioner under the act of June 7. 1832
She further declares that she was married to the said Alden Freeman in the Month of July in the year Sixteen hundred and ninety three in the town (or place that was then called St. Andrews Gore and now called) Plainfield in the County of Washington and State aforesaid the day of the Month she does not recollect That she has not any family record of her marriage or the births of her Children and that she does not know of any Record of her marriage, and that her husband the above said Alden Freeman died on the sixth day of May Eighteen hundred and forty two that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but that the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four (viz) at the time above stated.
her Percilla X Freeman mark

Subscribed
Sworn to and subscribe (by the within named Percilla Fraz- -man) on the day and year within written before me
John Colby Judge of Probate for the District of Randolph
State of Vermont District of Randolph ss I D. F. Weymouth Register of the Probate Court of the District of Randolph in the County of Orange and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that John Colby is Judge of the Probate Court within and for the District of Randolph, duly commissioned and qualified, that his Commis- -sion was dated on the 1 st day of December 1822 and will expire on the 30 th day of November 1843, and that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Probate Court this 3 rd day of August A.D. 1843
D. F. Weymouth Register

Please to communicate with Stephen Thomas. Agent West Fairlee Vermont
Miss Priscilla Freeman

Alden Freeman declaration & certificate 1909
Return to be made to Simson Root Rutford Wards County Vermont
Alden Freeman Root

Helen Freeman
Declaration
State of Vermont } On this 31 st day of August Probate District of Bradford } 1832. personally appeared in open in the County of Orange } Court before the Probate Court within for the District of Bradford in the County of Orange, now sitting Alden Freeman a resident of Orange in the County of Orange State of Vermont aged 72 years last January, who being first duly sworn accor- ding to law, doth on his oath, make the following dec- laration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers herein as herein stated. VIZ. That. On the last last of December 1775 or first of January 1776. his father Ebenezer Freeman of Rochester in the State of Mass Chancery was drafted from the Militia of that town to serve three months in the army & that this applicant volunteered to take his place as a substitute & joined a company Commanded by Capt. Joseph Parker of Rochester, John Doty of the same town was Lieutenant. The ensign name he does not recollect, his Colonel's name was Sprout & lived in Bridgewater as he thinks. That he marched to North Kingston in Rhode Island, where he was stationed through his term guarding the town which was then exposed to the attack from the enemy, as then  the British ships of the line lay off in plain sight of the town. The Regiment to which he belonged was the only one stationed at that place at the time. While there, he & several others went down to Point Judith to rescue an Amer

ican Vessel, which the enemy had run aground at that place, which loaded with rigging, which vessel they guarded until the crew secured the cargo & carried away everything but the hull & they then left it to be destroyed by the enemy. They then returned to North Kingston & this applicant served out his term of three months & was discharged & returned home to his father's in Rochester the first day of April 1776. The last of May of the same year 1776, there was another call upon the Militia to go to Rhode Island & this applicant volunteered for six months & joined a company commanded by Capt. Gibbs of Westerly. Col. Evans' regiment marched to Providence Rhode Island where he stayed a month or so & then went to Bristol in the same state and remained there until late in the fall & then went to Howland Ferry in the same state. Served out his time & was then discharged about the last of Nov. of the same year & returned home after having out his full time. The Lieutenants name was Tisdell Winslow; but he does not recollect the names of the other officers of his company. He does not recollect seeing many troops that summer except his own regiment.
In the year 1777 in the month of May as he believes, he enlisted for the term of nine months into a corps raised as it was said for the purpose of joining Washington's Army; but immediately after enlisting there was a call made for men to go to Rhode Island to join Sullivan's Army & that he & those who enlisted with him at Rochester went to Rhode Island & joined Capt. Dyer's company of Col. Howes' Regiment. The other company officers he does not recollect as they were all strangers to him; & was on Rhode Island when the battle was

fought between the American Army and Genl. Sullivan & the British; was on Guard the night before the battle & spent in digging a trench across the south end of the Island the day before the retreat, which took place the night following he was not immediately engaged in the battle, as the fighting was principally between the regular troops & the enemy, he retreated with the army; & after crossing over to Howlands Ferry was stationed in what was called the great Neck until his time was out, when he was dismissed the last of February or first of March following. He recollects that there was a large Army collected on the Island composed of regular troops & militia but does not remember the names of the officers except as above related.
In the Spring of 1778, he volunteered in a company of Militia as he supposed, to go to Providence in State of Rhode Island & was stationed most of the time at Battery Kill Fort in Portsmouth on Rhode Island & remained there six months; there were but few men there at the time, he is not certain there was a Col. there at the time, if there was he has forgotten his name & he does not recollect the name of his Captain or Lieut. but his orderly ser- jeant's name was Bowers of Rochester. Nothing of particular took place at the time & he does not know that he can mention any more particulars of this campaign.
In answer to interrogatories, presented by the war depart- ment & propounded by the Court the States that he was born in Rochester in the State of Massachusetts in the year 1760. That he has a record of his age in Barnfield

in the State of Vermont in a book which his father kept which is now in the possession of his sister, Deborah Gun- nison of said Plainfield. that he entered the service as before stated & went in Rochester Mass Chautauqua where he entered the service from which place he moved to War- wick in New Hampshire soon after the war & moved from thence to Plainfield in the State of Vermont about thirty years ago & moved from thence to Orange where he now lives about a year and half ago. He cannot be more particular in stating circumstances of service & telling the names of officers than he has before done in his declaration. He never received any regular discharge from the service & has no documentary evidence of the same. I do not know of any person living who can testify of his service except his brother Edmund Doyt who's affidavits are hereto annexed & refer To James Perry of Plainfield & Theophilus Clark of Montpelier as persons in the neighborhood where he has heretofore lived who will testify of his character for truth & veracity & their belief of his service as a soldier of the revolution. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state —
Given to the day &
year aforesaid
Edward Freeman

I Edmund Doty of Barre in the County of Wash- ington and State of Vermont being of the age of 63 years do hereby testify and say that during the whole of the revolutionary war, between the United States of America and Great Britain I lived in the town of Rochester in the State of Massachusetts and that Abner Freeman was of 20 years of age in the County of Croydon and State of Vermont, lived in said Rochester, during the time of said Revolution- ary war, and I now knowing of the said Freeman having met several times as a soldier in the United States army during said revolutionary war, and it was generally understood in the neighborhood where the said Freeman lived that he was met in said war and that he served as a soldier in the United States service, and I fully believe that said Abner Freeman is about seventy two years of age and I fully believe that he served as a soldier in the said revolutionary war in the service of the United States. Barre August 25th 1832 Edmund Doty
State of Vermont ss at Barre in said County Washington County this 25 day of August 1832 Edmund Doty the signer of the foregoing affidavit affirmed before me and made solemn oath to the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed - before me Peter Johamott Jr. Justice of Peace.

We James Perry of Plainfield and Theophilus Clark of Montpelier being acquainted with Alden Freeman formerly of Plainfield now of Washington but now of Orange in the County of Orange believe him to be a man of truth and veracity and that he is upwards of 70 years of age, and that he has served as a soldier in the revolutionary war James Perry
Theophilus Clark
Plainfield County of Washington 11 August 8 1922
Sworn to and subscribed before me Elijah Denny Justice Peace
I certify that the above witnesses are men of truth and veracity Elijah Denny Justice Peace

I Seth Freeman of Plainfield in the County of Washington State of Vermont, aged 64 years. do hereby say that I lived with my father Ebenezer Freeman in Rockingham the County of Plymouth State of Massachusetts, during the period of the Revolutionary war. I do well recollect that my brother Alden Freeman who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration, went as a substitute for my father into the service & was absent from home three months. & I also recollect that he went the next time, year but do not exactly recollect the time he was gone from home. I understood he was at North Kingston, Point Judith & Rhode Island as he states in his declaration. & well understood that the time he was at the battle of Rhode Island. It was a matter well known in the family & neighborhood that he was out in the service at that time. I do not distinctly recollect of his being out at other times, though I have no doubt of his being out some times as he states & for the length of time that he states for the say not — Seth Freeman from to the day of your appearance
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories, subscribed by the war department sent
Yours no release an Amer

attending to the deposition of Edmund Doty & Seth Freeman hereto annexed. That the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them, that Theophilus Clark who has signed the certificate hereto annexed is a clergyman resident in Montpelier in the State of Ver- mont & that Elijah Perry before whom the said certif- icate signed by Theophilus Clark & James Perry is a Justice of the Peace within for the said County of Washing- ton - That it also appears to said Court that Peter Johonnot before whom the annexed deposition of Edmund Doty & Elias Nelson was is a Justice of the Peace within the said County of Orange that their signatures are genuine & the said Court also certifies that Seth Freeman whose deposition is hereto annexed subscribed & was duly sworn to the same as Court his credible witness. And the said Court further certifies that, as the place where the appli- cant had lived, & was known until within about a year - a half is something like thirty miles distant. it is not convenient for him to procure the personal attend- ance of witnesses in Court.
I Simon Root Clerk or Register of the said Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Alden Freeman for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand Seal of Office this 31 st day of
Aug. A D 1832
Simon Root Clk.

19.097 Alden Freeman orange 6" Nur m E
Adm C 2 years pso.
S. Short-Eig. Thetford V E

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjunctive notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Aldeen Freeman
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Dec r 1775. 3 Private Capt l Barker Col l Spratt Mch d to Kingston 72 years - Hecheiter Ins n of a blosynar   May 1776 6 " Capt l Gibbs Col l Evans Rhode Island Off l Living Will - refer   May 1777- 9 " Capt l Davis Col l Howe Phila a Island Rhode Island   Spring 1778 6 " Maj r Bowles Battlehill Fort  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
 If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (i) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____, 19____.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (1) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guardian.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Seth Freeman, affidavit

I Seth Freeman of Barre in the County of Washington and State of Vermont aged 75 years suppose testify and say that I have been acquainted with Alvin Freeman ever since I was a small boy. That he was was reported to have been married to Percilla Washburn in the summer of seventeen hundred and ninety three (the month I do not recollect) in what was then called St Andrews Gore and now called Plainfield in the County and State aforesaid. I lived within one mile of where they were at reported to have been married. That they were then reported to have been married on Sunday and that I was informed of their marriage on the same day. That they immediately went to keeping house (in the same year), and have lived together as man and wife ever since , until the decease of the said Alvin Freeman. That I was not present when he died but that I attended his Funeral which was about one year  one year and a half ago, that I have always lived within 2 or 3 miles of them since their marriage and that Percilla Freeman is now the widow of the said Alvin Freeman and now lives in Orange  Orange in the County of Orange and State aforesaid, and that the said Alvin Freeman was a Pensioner of the United States upon the Rolls of the Vermont agency and further I say not Seth Freeman

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 2 nd day of August A.D. 1823 Lewis Chamberlain Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the above affiant is personally known to me and that he is a credible witness
Lewis Chamberlain Justice of the Peace

STATE OF VERMONT.
Secretary of State's Office, Montpelier, August 3 d 1843 }
I certify that Lewis Chamberlin Esq whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Washington duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of this office, at Montpelier, this the 3 d day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three
Ferrand T. Merrill Acting Secretary of State.

Mary Freeman's affidavit
✓

I Mary Freeman of Barre in the County of Washington and State of Vermont aged 70 years depose testify and say that I lived in the town 1793 in the Place or town that was then called St. Andrews Gore, and now called Plainfield in the County of Washington and State of Vermont. that I was acquainted with Almon Freeman that he was reported to have been married to Percilla Washburn in the summer of 1793 the day of the month nor the month is not recollected by me, but that it was on Sunday that they were reported to have been married, I was not present at the Marriage but was informed of their Marriage on the same day. That in the same Summer immediately after their Marriage or reported Marriage they went to keeping house. That they have lived together as man and Wife ever since until the decease of the said Almon Freeman that I was not present when he died but that I was informed of his death in the Spring of 1822 That he was a Pensioner of the United States upon the Rolls of the Vermont agency as I was informed by him. and that his widow Percilla Freeman is still living and that she now lives in Orange in the County of Orange and State aforesaid and that she is a credible witness. further I say not
her Mary X Freeman mark
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 2 nd day of August AD 1823 Lewis Churchill Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the above affiant May Freeman is personally known to me and that she is a credible witness Lewis Chamberlain Justice of the Peace

STATE OF VERMONT.
Secretary of State's Office,
Montpelier, August 3. 1843 }
I certify that Levi Chamberlin Esq whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Washington duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of this office, at Montpelier, this the 3 d day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three,
Ferrand J Merrill Acting Secretary of State.

9420
Aug 14 1873
Parcilla Theman
July 7. 1888.
100.
alder 32
Tree
Wm D. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

West Fairlee Aug. 10. 1843
My Dr.
Enclosed I forward the papers of the laid  laid Perilla Freeman which I respectfully submit to your consideration. When you have examined the same, if any communication is necessary you will please communicate with Stephen Thomas, West Fairlee Vermont
Very Respectfully Your Obl Servt Stephen Thomas
Hon S. L. Edwards } Washington City }

94200 Percilla Freeman Verm o Sukindage
Set to S. Thomas Sep. 28. 43 " " H. H. Sylvester Sep. 17 } 1844 121
Act July 7 38

April 23. 1844 Percilla Freeman
Add. Prof. Milton case
Vt act 7 Aug. 38
Benson Freeman officer

I Bradford Freeman of Orange in the County of Orange and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say that I was present when Almon Freeman (who was a pensioner of the United States upon the Rolls of the Vermont agency) said, that he died at Orange in the County of Orange and State of Vermont on the sixth day of May in the year 1842 and that Percilla Freeman of Orange is his widow
Bradford Freeman
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 3 d day of August A.D. 1843 and I hereby certify that Bradford Freeman the above affiant is personally known to me and that he is a credible witness - Stephen Thomas Justice of the Peace State of Vermont Orange County
Probate District of Bradford ss I Stephen Thomas Register of the Probate Court for said district of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Stephen Thomas is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orange and State aforesaid duly qualified and commissioned. that his commission was dated on the first day of December 1842 and will expire on the 30 th day of November 1843. and that his signature above written is genuine - In testimony whereof I hereunto
Subscribe my name and affix the Seal of said Probate Court this 3 d day of August A.D. 1843 -

STATE OF VERMONT, ) I, Percy C Davis Clerk of the County Court of the Orange County, ss. ) County of Orange in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Stephen Thomas
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 13 day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two and will expire the thirtieth day of November 1843 and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, this 25 th day of November A. D. 1843
Percy C Davis clerk.

REJECTED
3783
P.O.
Tercilla Freeman
Service: widow of Alden
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Priscilla Freeman (Records).
Alvin

AFFIDAVIT AND POWER OF ATTORNEY.
STATE OF Vermont COUNTY OF Orange
ss. Orange January 6. 1853
Be it remembered, That, on this 6th day of January
A. D. 1853, I, Bradford T. Freeman of Barre in the County of Washington State do make known and declare that I am the son of Alden Freeman & Priscilla Freeman and heir-at-law to Priscilla Freeman
who was the wife of Alden Freeman a Revolutionary soldier, who served two years, under the command of Captain Dotty in the forces raised by the State of Massachusetts and that he and his said wife were married about the month of
July A. D. 1795 that he died about the month of May.
A. D. 1841 and that his said wife also died about the month of February.
A. D. 1847 and that a pension of Eighty dollars a year was drawn by said Alden Freeman on account of said services, and so continued until the year A. D. 1847, since which time nothing has been received by either, or the heirs of either of said parties.
And that claimant is now fifty years of age; and it is understood and believed that there are arrearages of Pension, and other claims due for said services: Now, THEREFORE, the true intent of all this is to qualify and irrevocably appoint and empower ALFRED J. WORKS, of New Haven City and County, State of Connecticut,
as my Attorney, with power of substitution, to investigate, substantiate, demand, and receive the avails of, said claim or claims, and to say and do all things relative thereto, as amply as I might do: hereby ratifying every thing said or done by my said Attorney, or his substitute, in virtue hereof; ALSO, revoking all Powers of Attorney, or other authority previously given for any such purposes.
Attest,
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, day and date first above named.
Louis L. Peabody Demolius Peabody
B. T. Freeman
Subscribed, sworn to, and acknowledged before me, the day and year first above indicated.
State of Vermont } I S. M. Flint clerk of the county court in Orange County } the county estate of said. do hereby certify that Lewis L. Peabody before whom the foregoing affidavit power of attorney was executed on at the date of the same, to wit, on the sixth day of January A. D. 1853, a justice of the peace within & for the said county of Orange, duly authorized by law to administer oaths and take acknowledgments. & that the name subscribed to the above cer- tificate of acknowledgment is his signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said county court at Chelsea this 17th day of January A. D. 1853. S. M. Flint Clerk